GIN Tribe - Manual (Page 17)

17
5. Care, Maintenance and Repairs
The materials used in the Tribe have been carefully selected for maximum durability. Nevertheless,
following the guidelines below will keep your paraglider airworthy and will ensure a long period of
continuous safe operation. Excessive wear is caused by careless ground handling and packing,
unnecessary exposure to UV light, chemicals, heat and moisture.
Ground handling
The following should be avoided:
Violent shocks to the upper surface (e.g. when the canopy crashes to the ground leading edge
first whilst ground handling).
Dragging the glider along the ground.
Stepping on the lines or canopy. The Kevlar line inside the sheath can take lots of pulling force
without stretching, but is sensitive to bending with small radius.
Opening your wing in strong winds without first untangling the lines.
UV damage
Avoid leaving the glider out in the sun unnecessarily. UV rays from the sun degrade paraglider cloth.
Packing instructions
We advise you to pack the glider accordion wise' as shown in the diagram. This packing procedure
takes slightly longer and requires an assistant, but it conserves the rigidity in the profile
reinforcements.
Since folding the glider weakens the materials, pack the glider as loosely as possible.
Transport and Storage
Moisture is the worst enemy for your glider, adversely affecting the ageing of fabric, lines and
reinforcements. The Tribe should therefore be kept dry and cool. Do not pack the glider away for a
prolonged period if it is damp, sandy, salty, or if other objects have entered the cells. Always allow
it to dry naturally before storage in a dry room. Leave the rucksack zip open whenever possible to